Golf Drills & Tips For Driving

As a golf instructor focused on helping players maximize their driving performance, I’ve compiled the most effective drills and tips that will transform your tee shots. Whether you’re struggling with slice, lacking distance, or seeking consistency, these proven techniques will help you drive with confidence.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Driving

Before diving into specific drills, it’s crucial to understand the key elements that create powerful, accurate drives:

• A wider stance than your iron shots
• Ball position aligned with your front heel
• Slight upward angle of attack
• Full shoulder turn
• Athletic posture with spine tilt away from target

Power-Building Drills

1. The Step-Through Power Drill

This drill helps develop explosive power while maintaining balance:

1. Set up as if you’re going to hit your driver
2. Take the club back to the top of your backswing
3. As you start your downswing, step through with your back foot
4. Complete your finish with both feet facing the target
5. Focus on generating speed while maintaining balance

Practice this drill for 10-15 swings, gradually increasing your swing speed.

2. The Speed Whoosh Drill

Perfect for developing clubhead speed:

1. Hold your driver upside down (grip end pointing at the ground)
2. Make practice swings focusing on creating a “whoosh” sound
3. Try to make the loudest whoosh sound at the impact position
4. After 10 swings, return to normal driver position
5. Maintain that same feeling of acceleration

Accuracy-Focused Drills

1. Alignment Rod Path Drill

Improve your swing path and eliminate slice:

1. Place one alignment rod parallel to your target line
2. Position a second rod at a 45-degree angle, pointing right of target (for right-handed golfers)
3. Practice swinging along the angled rod path
4. This promotes an inside-out swing path
5. Make 20 practice swings before hitting balls

2. Gate Drill

Enhance accuracy and build confidence:

1. Set up two alignment rods or clubs about 6 feet in front of you
2. Space them slightly wider than your driver head
3. Practice hitting drives through this “gate”
4. Start with slow swings and gradually increase speed
5. Focus on starting the ball between the gates

Setup and Posture Tips

Proper Driver Setup

1. Widen your stance beyond shoulder width
2. Tilt your spine slightly away from the target
3. Position the ball forward in your stance
4. Hands centered or slightly behind the ball
5. Create a slight upward angle of attack

Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid

• Standing too close to the ball
• Gripping too tightly
• Poor ball position
• Incorrect spine angle
• Unstable lower body

Distance-Maximizing Techniques

1. The Loading Drill

Develop power through proper weight transfer:

1. Start with feet together
2. Take the club back while stepping to the right (for right-handed golfers)
3. Start downswing while stepping left
4. Focus on shifting weight fully to lead side
5. Hold balanced finish

2. Sequence Training Drill

Perfect your power sequence:

1. Start without a club
2. Make a backswing motion
3. Feel hips initiate downswing
4. Allow arms to follow
5. Practice this sequence repeatedly before adding the club

Ball Flight Control

Managing Shot Shape

To hit a draw:

• Close stance slightly
• Strengthen grip
• Feel hands rotating through impact

To hit a fade:

• Open stance slightly
• Weaken grip
• Hold face slightly open through impact

Practice Routine Implementation

Warm-up Sequence

1. Start with alignment rod drills
2. Progress to slow-motion swings
3. Hit half-speed shots
4. Gradually increase to full swings
5. Finish with target-focused shots

Progressive Practice Plan

Monday: Focus on setup and alignment Tuesday: Work on swing path Wednesday: Speed development Thursday: Shot shaping Friday: On-course implementation Weekend: Game situation practice

Mental Game Tips

1. Establish a consistent pre-shot routine
2. Pick a specific target, not just the fairway
3. Focus on tempo rather than mechanics during play
4. Breathe deeply before each drive
5. Maintain positive visualization

Equipment Considerations

Ensure your driver:

• Has appropriate loft for your swing speed
• Shaft flex matches your tempo
• Length suits your height and swing style
• Face angle helps your typical shot shape

Final Thoughts

Improving your driving takes time and dedicated practice. Focus on one element at a time and make small, incremental changes. Remember that consistency comes from proper fundamentals and regular practice.

Track your progress by measuring:

• Driving accuracy percentage
• Average driving distance
• Shot dispersion patterns
• Club head speed
• Ball speed

Work with a qualified instructor periodically to ensure you’re practicing these drills correctly and making progress toward your goals.